State Capitol

National Historic Landmark (1888). At the time it was said to be the seventh largest building in the world (covers 2.25 acres with 8.5 acres of floor space). Tallest of all state capitols (311 feet) and rumored to be taller than the     U. S. Capitol. Goddess of Liberty statue atop the dome is more than 15 feet in height. Exterior walls of Texas pink granite were quarried 50 miles from Austin and transported by custom-built     railroad and oxen teams. Dome is galvanized cast and wrought iron. Senate Chamber houses two heroic-sized paintings: Dawn at the Alamo and The Battle of San Jacinto, depicting major events in the Republic of Texas history. Statues of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston flank the rotunda entrance. A two-year, $81 million renovation was completed in 1995. Fifty varieties of trees native to Texas shade the lovely grounds in front of the Capitol. Free,        hour-long tours available 7 days; every 15 minutes weekdays, every 30 minutes weekends. Information: 463-0063.